Living in the UK for two years was certainly a blessing. My homeland Canada is currently gearing up for its celebratory 150 years of existence; a drop in the bucket for an historic country as the UK in my mind. Every corner of the land across the pond has some sort of historical significance and uncovering a different artifact in this nationwide scavenger hunt is thrilling with every discovery. This need to see as much of the UK as possible took me straight to Bath- a beautiful city nobody should miss.

 

 

First, a Little About Bath

Named a UNESCO Heritage Site, this town in the heart of Somerset boasts gorgeous honey-coloured stone architecture surrounded by hilly countrysides and many landmarks of historical significance. Many travel to this gorgeously situated city, home to nearly 89,000 residents to see the famous Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and of course, the home of the famous and exceptional literary genius Jane Austen, whose famous book club features enthusiasts all wishing the virtual hand of Darcy himself.

There is so much to do here, that a romantic getaway wouldn’t be shy of excitement, enlightenment, or luxury accommodation fit for any couple’s style.

Beautiful City of Bath
Beautiful City of Bath

The Roman Baths

Situated in the centre of the town, The Roman Baths Museum and Springs is a beautiful place to learn about this interesting part of British history. It will baffle your mind how the springs, which were originally used for public bathing, have been preserved for centuries and continue to pump water in the different pools.

Located below the modern street level, these hot spring pools attract guests for four main reasons – to see the Pump room, the Roman Temple, the Sacred Spring, and museum of Bath’s many hot spring antiquities.

The Roman Baths Entrance
The Roman Baths Entrance

 

our Sense & Sensibility Guide to Romance in Bath
The Roman Baths
Ancient Roman archaeology
Ancient Roman archaeology

 

The Bath Waters

Upon arrival, prepare for strong sulfur smells. Many may find this overbearing and should prepare for this if allergic. When walking through the complex see the waters that have been preserved up to the 21st century that are greenish in colour and remain at the original levels from the time bathing occurred.

The water is not drinkable; however, at the end of the tour, the museum offers a taste from safely purified water to try. It wasn’t my cuppa tea, but some may find the taste rather interesting!

The Main Spring Pool
The Main Spring Pool

 

At the Spring's Edge at the Roman Baths
At the Spring’s Edge at the Roman Baths

Next, after your museum tour, take a look in the cute little boutiques with shabby chic decor, dainty tea cups, dining ware, and several galleries of period pieces depicting the Jane Austen era. There is a lovely artsy shop near the information centre carrying very unique tokens of affection for that special someone. Here you can pick up such mementos as “key to my heart” wooden ornaments, plaques, and other sentiments perfect for your honey on this romantic road trip.

The Bath City Square
The Bath City Square

 

Get a whimsical souvenir like this
Get a whimsical souvenir like this

The Jane Austen Centre

One of my closest friends is a die-hard Jane Austen fan. She has read all the classics – Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Jane Eyre, you name it. And with this build-up, I just had to learn more about her and explore her home where these novels were written. So we headed to the Jane Austen Centre.

This dedicated museum, easily identifiable with the Jane Austen statue just outside, showcases the life and characters of the most famous resident ever to live in Bath. Take a tour through the rooms and see costumes, furniture, and actual artifacts significant to Jane’s life.

The Jane Austen Centre
The Jane Austen Centre

As you explore the various rooms of the home, read more about how her hometown greatly impacted the writing of her books. The tour begins with guides clad in period attire, welcoming you to the experience. They will take you through each room of the home and explain in great detail the significance of the artifacts inside.

Some of the costumes inside the Jane Austen Centre
Some of the costumes inside the Jane Austen Centre

If you are feeling a bit more daring, why not dress up for the occasion? Many visitors to the centre enjoy reliving the moment dressed in period apparel just like the times of Ms. Austen herself. Many events take place at the Centre including festivals to celebrate her timeless stories and encourage fans to feel even more a part of her literary legacy.

The Jane Austen Tea Room

One of my favourite elements of the experience here was the tea room! Enjoying afternoon tea in Jane Austen’s house was simply a thrill and highlight to our romantic road trip. The tea room offers a variety of teas to choose from as well as sweet, traditional, and savoury meal options. We opted for sweet and savoury which came with both cheese and buttermilk scones, clotted cream, chive spread, and strawberry jam, delicate fancies, and other sweets.

Beautiful Tea Room in Jane Austen's House
Beautiful Tea Room in Jane Austen’s House

 

Lattes are made beautifully frothy
Lattes are made beautifully frothy

 

Enjoying Afternoon Tea with Darcy
Enjoying Afternoon Tea with Darcy

Lastly, after enjoying a beautiful meal surrounded by Jane’s literary influence, check out the lovely gift shop. Find everything from all her famous novels, to magnets, tea towels, wax seals, and more. It truly is worth a browse for the most important Jane Austen souvenir. What I loved was that the souvenirs were small and practical, falling under my sensible guide to souvenir shopping. I consider this attraction essential on any trip to Bath whether a fan of her books or even the movie adaptations.

My girlfriend was right. Jane Austen certainly impacted literature and was an icon with her unique characters and dramatic stories.

Bath Abbey

Another incredible site in the heart of Bath, is Bath Abbey. This beautiful cathedral of impeccable stained glass windows, Bath’s famous honey stone architecture, stands on a foundation history spanning 1200 years. The current standing abbey was constructed and founded in 1499 and continues to bring Christians together for prayer and fellowship.

Tours are available of this beautiful Parrish daily that taking guests behind the scenes through the towers for gorgeous city views and ornate vaulted ceilings. This is a truly a sacred experience comparable to Notre Dame in Paris.

Bath Abbey
Bath Abbey

There are many other things to do in Bath, England that a trip here would be more than pleasing for all interests. On sunny days, take a cycle through the many paths, stroll through the lush courtyards of the majestic buildings and college grounds, or grab a copy of Jane Eyre and laze in the park reading a chapter or two.

It truly is an incredible place, that adding it to your romantic England road trip does require Sense & Sensibility…

Beautiful Bath Architecture
Beautiful Bath Architecture

 

The Roman Baths
The Roman Baths

 

Gorgeous Bath England
Gorgeous Bath England

 

Beautiful Bath England
Beautiful Bath England

 

 

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